Without Reservations

hadn’t even realized Bit was that dominant. It was clear he wasn’t an omega wolf, but Chay hadn’t thought Bit was even more of an alpha than he and his dad.
    “Chay? Would you mind helping me carry this stuff out?”
    Chay looked up at Mary and blinked. When had Keaton and John left the room? “Sure, Mary.” He grabbed the ice chest she indicated and opened the door, allowing her to pass with the plates and a picnic basket full of condiments.
    “I like your friend, Chay. He’s very polite. He looks very young though. Such a pretty boy.”
    Chay grinned. Yeah, Bit was pretty all right. Prettiest man he’d ever seen, with that smooth pale complexion, those big blue eyes… Oh damn, his cock stirred. “Yes, he is.” He wasn’t sure which statement he responded to, but Mary didn’t question it, and he didn’t bother clarifying.
    After helping Mary set up, Chay was bombarded by questions about Keaton by pack members. Everyone wanted to know where he was from and why he wasn’t a pack leader. And the most frequent question was www.samhainpublishing.com 67
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    about his age. Chay decided not to tell Bit about that, knowing he wouldn’t be amused.
    “Chay.”
    Chay turned to find his father, John Carter and Frank Red Hawk standing behind him. “Yes?”
    John motioned him over. “Chay. I talked to Keaton about the shooting the other night and he seems to agree with Frank that it was poachers. What do you think?”
    “Well, we haven’t had poachers on pack land, or in the reservation in years, but I don’t see any evidence that says it’s not poachers.”
    His father nodded. “That’s what I said.”
    John dipped his head. “Given that Keaton’s new here and no one has a reason to want him dead, I think that is the most logical conclusion too. We need to keep an eye out though, just in case. Chay, you let us know if you get any more animals with gunshot wounds.”
    “Yes, sir. I will.”
    “And, Frank, you’ll keep us updated from your end as well?”
    “Sure will.”
    “Good, good. I’m going to go find my mate.” John waved and left, leaving him with his father and Frank.
    Frank smiled. “It looks like our little white wolf is grown after all. A college professor, huh? Nice fellow. When John introduced us, I apologized to him for tranqing him.”
    Chay grinned. Yeah, his mate was a nice fellow when you got to know him. It made Chay feel good that others could see that too. “Yeah, he teaches Ancient Civ. Beware. He has quite an interest in the Apache.
    He’s relentless with his questions.”
    Frank laughed. “I know. John told him my brother was tribal chief when he introduced us. Bobby came to my rescue. Said they met the other night at a poker game.” Frank’s stomach growled, making him 68 www.samhainpublishing.com

    Without Reservations
    chuckle. “I guess that’s my cue. I’m going to go get myself a burger. Talk to you gentlemen later.”
    “Later, Frank,” his dad called out.
    Chay waved.
    His dad smiled. “Keaton seems to fit in well. John and I took him around and introduced him to everyone.”
    Chay nodded. “Where is he?”
    “Last I saw, he was eating a burger and talking to Bobby.”
    “Dad, what’s going on? Why did John allow Keaton into the pack so quickly? I’m not complaining, but—”
    “Joe.” A couple of his dad’s friends came up and started talking to him. Chay’s presence was soon forgotten.
    Chay sighed and shook his head. Oh well, he’d find out later. It wasn’t like he didn’t know where to reach his dad. He went in search of food then Bit. He was walking around eating a burger, drinking a coke, when he found his missing mate. He heard Pita before he spotted Bit.
    Bit rolled around in the grass playing with Pita and four little boys. It was the cutest thing. The boys, Bit and the puppy were all in a pile, laughing and tickling each other.
    God, the man was sweet. He wondered if Bit had any idea how appealing he was when he laughed. Chay had the urge to go join the fun, but figured people might not appreciate him rolling around on the ground kissing the life out of Bit with their cubs present.
    He’d known Bit didn’t feel comfortable among people his age. He should have known Bit would get along well with children.
    Pita saw Chay first. The pup bounced over and grabbed Chay’s pants, growling and tugging.
    Chay laughed, reached down and petted the pest.
    Smiling, Bit caught Chay’s gaze, his eyes shining. “Hey.” He